Old School Peacoat, New School Fabrics

January 3rd, 2012

They come in all shapes, sizes, fabrics and price points. If the color is subtle and neutral, and the fit is on-point, it doesn’t get much better for an everyday coat.

Here I styled some of the peacoats from my collection, to give you some everyday wardrobe ideas.

1. The OG Naval Issue

I figured we’d start with the original.

Some of the best peacoats were commissioned by the military and issued to the naval academy. They were made from tough and rugged navy blue wool and were built to keep their shape through the toughest conditions.

The best part is, you can usually find a reasonably priced selection at just about any decent vintage store.

Bonus Tip: Whenever buying army or navy gear (and vintage most of the time) keep in mind that you may have to size down to get the fit you are looking for.

Bonus Tip II: Yes, you can wear it over a suit. As long as the coat is longer than the jacket, and it fits comfortably over the shoulders and midsection, it’s fair game.

4. Belted Plaid Fleece

Of course, not every peacoat is for everyday use. Sometimes they can serve as statement outerwear – a great refresher from the routine of navy, grey, brown and black outerwear.

Because the shape is timeless, it’s easier to incorporate details like a bolder plaid fabric, patch pockets and a belted waist.

Tan suede gloves by Uniqlo ·

Tan suede wingtips by Bass ·

Plaid belted peacoat by Ralph Lauren Polo ·

Indigo denim jeans by JBrand

5. Down-Filled Flannel

Down coats aren’t all big and bulky anymore. This slim-fit, less-puffy down peacoat by Hugo Boss is cut from wool flannel suiting and is the perfect balance between dressy and casual. Available at select Nordstrom locations and online here.

Bonus Tip: An authentic fur scarf has a little edge to it, and makes everything else look a little more refined and elegant. More on that soon.

Bonus Tip II:UGG may or may not have earned a bad rap for those boots that we hate seeing girls wearing. However, these oiled and waterproofed leather alpine boots with Vibrim soles are tough. And their signature full-sheeepskin lining makes them the most comfortable boots in my collection, hands down.